Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in tea, coffee, soda, energy drinks, chocolate, and other cocoa products. It can cause a short, but dramatic increase in your blood pressure, even if you don't have high blood pressure.
Some researchers believe that caffeine could block a hormone that helps keep your arteries widened.
Others think that caffeine causes your adrenal glands to release more adrenaline, which causes your blood pressure to increase.
Research about coffee and blood pressure is conflicting as not everyone’s blood pressure is sensitive to caffeine. Some people who regularly drink caffeinated beverages have a higher average blood pressure than do those who drink none. Others who regularly drink caffeinated beverages develop a tolerance to caffeine. As a result, caffeine doesn't have a long-term effect on their blood pressure.
To see if caffeine might be raising your blood pressure:
Check your blood pressure before drinking a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage and again 30 to 120 minutes afterward.
If your blood pressure increases by about 5 to 10 points, you may be sensitive to the blood pressure raising effects of caffeine.
Try switching to decaffeinated coffee to see whether your blood pressure decreases.
If you're concerned about caffeine's effect on your blood pressure:
Try limiting the amount of caffeine you drink to 200 mg a day - about the same amount as is generally in 1 cup (240 ml) of brewed coffee.
Keep in mind that the amount of caffeine in coffee and other beverages varies by brand and method of preparation.
Also avoid caffeine right before activities that naturally increase your blood pressure, such as exercise, weightlifting or hard physical labor.
Plan to cut back on caffeine by gradually reducing the number of cups you drink, over several days to a week, to avoid withdrawal headaches and low mood.
Let your Antara Nutritionist know if you are having any difficulties or challenges in managing your diet. Book a session with an Antara Nutritionist through the Antara App or by clicking here.